Professional repair techniques to fix potholes, prevent future damage, and maintain a smooth gravel surface year-round.
Understanding why potholes form is the first step to preventing them. Potholes in gravel driveways are caused by a combination of factors that work together to create those frustrating dips and holes.
Potholes are a symptom of underlying drainage or base problems. Simply filling the hole without addressing the cause means it will return. This guide shows you how to do both.
If your driveway has multiple large potholes or significant base failure, professional regrading may be needed.
Gather everything you need before starting. Having the right tools makes the job faster and ensures professional-quality results.
Always wear safety glasses when working with gravel and dust mask when handling dry materials. Work gloves protect against blisters and sharp stones.
Estimate materials based on pothole size:
Inspect the pothole and surrounding area. Mark the repair zone 12-18 inches beyond the visible hole edges—damage often extends further than it appears. Check for drainage issues that caused the problem.
Dig out all loose gravel, dirt, and debris from the pothole and marked area. Excavate to firm, undisturbed soil—typically 6-8 inches deep for driveways. The sides should slope inward (like a bowl) for better stability.
Ensure water can drain from the area. If the pothole was caused by poor drainage, create a slight slope (1/4 inch per foot) away from the center. Consider installing a small drainage channel if water consistently pools.
Fill the excavation with crusher run or road base material in 2-inch layers. Compact each layer thoroughly with a tamper or plate compactor. Continue until you're 2-3 inches below the final surface level. The base should be firm and level.
Add your surface gravel to bring the repair flush with the surrounding driveway. Slightly overfill (1/4 inch) to account for settling. Use gravel that matches your existing driveway material for a seamless appearance.
Compact the surface gravel thoroughly. A plate compactor is ideal, but a hand tamper works for small repairs. The surface should be level with the surrounding driveway and feel firm underfoot.
Rake the edges to blend the repair with the surrounding driveway. Lightly spray with water to help settle the gravel. Check level and add more material if needed. The repair should be slightly crowned to shed water.
For best results, wait for dry weather before repairing. Wet gravel is difficult to compact properly and may lead to premature failure. If you must repair in wet conditions, allow extra time for proper compaction.
The best pothole repair is preventing them in the first place. These proactive measures will keep your gravel driveway smooth and pothole-free for years.
80% of pothole problems are caused by water. Fix your drainage, and you'll prevent most potholes before they start.
Your local climate presents unique challenges for gravel driveway maintenance. Follow these seasonal tips to keep your driveway in top condition year-round.
Repair winter damage, regrade after heavy rains, replenish gravel washed away by storms. Best time for major repairs.
Compact loose gravel, address drainage issues before hurricane season, apply dust suppressant if needed.
Clear leaves that trap moisture, prepare for dry season, inspect drainage before winter rains.
Monitor for erosion during storms, avoid driving on saturated gravel, plan spring repairs.
If your driveway has recurring potholes in the same spots, widespread settling, or drainage that can't be resolved with simple grading, professional regrading or base repair may be needed.
Yes. Gravel pothole repair is DIY-friendly. Excavate the hole, add base material, compact in layers, top with matching gravel, and compact again. Takes 2-4 hours per pothole.
Use crusher run or road base for the foundation layer. Top with gravel that matches your driveway (typically 3/4 inch). Avoid pure sand—it washes out.
Usually poor drainage or inadequate base. Fix the underlying cause: improve slope, add drainage, or rebuild the base. Simply filling without compaction also causes recurrence.
Dry weather is best. Avoid repairing when the ground is saturated. Late spring and early fall often offer ideal conditions. Winter freeze-thaw makes repairs temporary.
Yes, compaction is critical. Compact in 2-3 inch lifts. Use a hand tamper for small areas or rent a plate compactor for better results. Proper compaction prevents recurrence.
DIY: $20-50 per pothole (materials). Professional: $75-150 per pothole. Large or multiple potholes may warrant full regrading ($500-2,000).
Optional for single potholes. Recommended for recurring problems or soft subgrade. Fabric prevents base from mixing with soil and improves drainage separation.
Maintain proper drainage (2% slope, clear ditches), annual grading, add gravel as needed, avoid heavy traffic when wet, and address small depressions before they grow.
When potholes recur in the same spots, there's widespread settling, drainage can't be resolved, or you have multiple large potholes. Professional regrading may be needed.